Preparing for a Sunday School lesson based on John 13 caused me to pause…and think. John 13 describes the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. One reason He washed their feet was to “show them the full extent of His love.” As several of my friends like to say, “That raises a question.” What...

Grace Honor

January 22, 2011

Family Shepherds

by John Salmon

I began to contemplate parenting while working with children and families in an inner city community, before I had any children of my own. Even then, I began to wonder how parents could successfully guide their children through such a dangerous maze of worldly distractions. I began to study this question even more when my...

-Read More-

Family Shepherds

discipline father guidance mother nurture parenting

January 15, 2011

What’s In A Name?

by John Salmon

A name conveys power, good or bad. My daughters came home from their first year at camp complaining, “Everyone knows you. The dean asked my name and then said, ‘Oh, you’re John Salmon’s daughter.'” Fortunately, my daughters take pride in our name; they are proud to carry our family name. On the other hand, I worked...

-Read More-

Honor

character family relationships kindness legacy politeness

January 9, 2011

Family Bank of Honor

by John Salmon

“Easy come, easy go” rings true, doesn’t it? We work hard to save money. We put a portion of every paycheck aside (when we can) and it collects a little (very little these days) interest. Then the furnace goes out, the hot water heater breaks, a fender bender necessitates a new rear bumper, or the...

-Read More-

Honor

attention family bank of honor kindness listen politeness sacrifice serve

January 3, 2011

New Year’s Vision

by John Salmon

As New Year’s Day approached, I thought about the past year and the coming year, what I accomplished during 2010 and what I hope to accomplish over 2011. (I used to make resolutions…until I made the resolution to make no resolution, which, by the way, is the only resolution I have ever kept.) After reviewing...

-Read More-

Grace Honor

family relationships holiday marriage parent child relationship priorities spouse traditions

December 23, 2010

Christmas & Family

by John Salmon

I don’t know about you, but I find it easy to let the value and meaning of Christmas slip by unnoticed. The commercialism of the season arouse our sense of entitlement while our “need to impress” others leaves us void of the true “spirit of giving.” In fact, we may think more about the gifts...

-Read More-

Celebration Grace Honor

christmas holiday security traditions

December 19, 2010

Traditions…Let’s Celebrate

by John Salmon

Christmas traditions…watching Christmas specials on TV, setting up a Christmas tree, listening to Christmas songs, singing Christmas carols, setting up a manger scene, spending money to buy gifts, sharing cookies, sending cards, opening gifts, attending Christmas eve services, etc., etc. I’m sure we all have numerous Christmas traditions that we enjoy. I know a family...

-Read More-

Celebration

availability christmas comfort family intimacy family relationships holiday priorities security traditions

December 16, 2010

Traditions…Bah Humbug

by John Salmon

Shhh…I’m walking home with Junior Scrooge and trying to convince him to come by my house to help decorate our Christmas tree. Just as expected, he’s a real killjoy when it comes to Christmas. Here I go…be real quiet and listen in. Yes, you may walk with me, but keep up. No dilly dallying, I’m...

-Read More-

Celebration

christmas family intimacy fun holiday security traditions

December 12, 2010

5 Christmas Gifts Your Family Will Love

by John Salmon

Every Christmas I have the same dilemma-what gifts do I give to my family? Like an episode of Hawaii Five-O, I begin an investigation to discover the perfect gift. Moving from person to person and place to place I make quiet observations and ask not-so-subtle questions in search of a gift that is desired, needed,...

-Read More-

Honor

christmas encouragement family meals gifts holiday marriage student support

December 3, 2010

Between the Lines

by John Salmon

Christmas is a wonderful time to build family intimacy. Unfortunately, we can get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of commercialism that we lose sight of family togetherness and the true meaning of Christmas. We have to look beyond the hustle and bustle of Christmas to find the real meaning of Christmas and “read between the lines” to...

-Read More-

Celebration

christmas holiday priorities

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

The Full Extent of Love

Family Shepherds

What’s In A Name?

Family Bank of Honor

New Year’s Vision

Christmas & Family

Traditions…Let’s Celebrate

Traditions…Bah Humbug

5 Christmas Gifts Your Family Will Love

Between the Lines